Kaimes Beasley, of Dover Coastguard, said: "He put his crew and other vessels at significant risk in order to try to beat his previous record."

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said Guillemot's actions were the equivalent of driving in the wrong direction on a motorway.

Evasive action

The court heard that the Safran was en route from Lizard Point in Cornwall, attempting to break the round-Britain sailing speed record when it was spotted travelling in the wrong direction in the Dover Strait Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) late at night on 6 June.

A few hours later, the following morning, it was seen sailing in the wrong lane in the nearby Sunk TSS.

The court was told several merchant ships had to alter course to avoid collision.

Guillemot's barrister, Julian Knowles QC, said the incidents were not "a deliberate flouting of rules by an arrogant yachtsman" but an error of judgment.

Guillemot is an internationally renowned racing yachtsman, who has set several titles and speed records, finishing third in his first participation in the prestigious Vendee Globe race in 2009.